TWO Lake District doctor’s surgeries could merge in a bid to ensure their long-term future is safe.

A consultation period has been opened for the public to feed in their comments about the potential amalgamation of Hawkshead and Ambleside’s GPs.

It is hoped the move will provide greater financial security, allow doctors to pool their resources across all sites - including the branch service in Grasmere - as well as placing them in a stronger position to attract more GP trainees to the area.

“The way the NHS is going, the current model of general practice isn’t sustainable,” said Dr Kaye Ward, who runs the Hawkshead surgery with Dr Jane Rimington. “So there is going to have to be some changes about how it works and we will be in a stronger position to take part in those changes if we are part of a bigger group.”

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She added: “The main aim is to try and ensure provision of services in Hawkshead. We have two issues, one is the building, the other is the long-term staffing. Jane is planning on retirement at some point and when she does that we feel there will be no-one able to fill that gap and I can’t run the service by myself. But if we are working with a bigger group then we have a better chance of keeping going.

“Hawkshead will maintain its own identity but will be part of a larger group.”

The Hawkshead surgery - alongside Coniston - recently lost a Government grant which supported small rural services.

But earlier this year it got the thumbs up from NHS England to relocate into a brand new building in the village - which will allow it to offer more services and could unlock a wider range of grants.

Dr Ward added: “We are still working on the funding gap but there are lots of things coming out of Better Care Together which will lead to a more joined up approach with hospitals and community trusts.

“I think there will be funding that eventually comes down through that rather than going through the conventional route which is a bit of a dead end at the moment.”

Although planning permission has been granted for the surgery, there are still a few issues being resolved in regard to two flats set to be above it.

Currently around 1,150 are registered at Hawkshead, with more than 5,000 on the roll at Ambleside.

The engagement process will run until September 30 with the aim to start the new joined up service in the New Year.

Public meetings will be held at the Ambleside Parish Centre on September 15, at Hawkshead Market Hall on September 16 and Grasmere Village Hall, on September 23, all starting at 7.30pm.

You can also write to the surgeries at Hawkshead Medical Practice, The Old Forge Surgery, Red Lion Yard, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NU and Ambleside Group Practice, Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BP.